Panelized eifs stucco-siding system and method

ABSTRACT

A panelized EIFS stucco siding system with a locking edge. The device is a pre-finished stucco siding panel system that can be installed in any weather condition without extra preparation or consideration. The system has “SL” trim lock system that can be installed by professionals or can be used by the DIY (do-it-yourselfer). It provides a weather tight cladding system that adds beauty and insulation value to the building envelope.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understandingthe present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of theinformation provided herein is prior art nor material to the presentlydescribed or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or documentthat is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of staticstructures (e.g., buildings) of existing art and more specificallyrelates to panels.

RELATED ART

Many people in modern society live in dwellings and work in commercialbuildings. There are many different finishes on these buildings. Thefinishes are designed to be esthetic and to protect the building frombeing degraded by environmental elements such as rain, sun, snow and thelike. One such finish is stucco. Stucco is relatively durable and iscost-effective to install. However, many times stucco can be difficultto install on-site especially during hot or cold weather conditions. Insitu stucco application can be a labor intensive process that oftenrequires ideal or near-ideal conditions to complete. There is currentlyno “all season” solution for stucco be it for siding or in-situapplications. A suitable solution is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,835 to Ned Santarossa relates to an exteriorinsulating finish panel system. The described exterior insulating finishpanel system includes a method of cladding a building wall surface withindividual prefabricated panels and trim mouldings with any fastenersand joints between the panels and trim being covered on site with acoating of stucco to produce a flush finished stucco surface. Each panelhas a uniform transverse cross-sectional profile, and a core of foammaterial coated with a weatherproof stucco coating on its exteriorsurface. Tongue and groove joints are disposed along the longitudinalsurfaces and a longitudinal recess in the exterior surface adjacent eachtongue and groove joint is adapted to receive a layer of joint coatingto fill the recess and cover the longitudinal joints flush with theexternal surface. The wall surface is installed by cutting the elongatecladding panels to the approximate length of the wall and mounting thecladding panels temporarily to the wall substrate, such as plywood forexample. The exterior surface of the panels is aligned to apredetermined outside finish datum and fasteners secure the claddingpanels to the substrate without creating a thermally conductive bridgebetween the substrate and the external ambient atmosphere. The openingsaround doors and windows, vertical corners and other details arefinished by cutting, mounting and affixing elongate transverse end trimmouldings to cover the end surfaces of the cladding panels. Installationis completed by applying a joint coating to cover the joints and fillingthe adjacent recesses flush with the exterior surface of the panels,then applying a final finish coat to the entire wall assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known staticstructures (e.g., buildings) art, the present disclosure provides anovel panelized EIFS stucco-siding system and method. The generalpurpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequentlyin greater detail, is to provide an efficient and effective panelizedEIFS stucco-siding system for use in construction projects.

The present invention is a panelized EIFS stucco siding system with alocking edge. The invention is a pre-finished stucco siding panel systemthat can be installed in any weather condition without extra preparationor consideration. It utilizes a “SL” trim lock system that can beinstalled by professionals or can be used by the DIY (do-it-yourselfer).It provides a weather tight cladding system that adds aesthetic appealand insulation value to the building envelope. A joint solution/compoundmay or may not be used for additional sealing. Additional anchoring maybe used down the right side of the panel ensuring joints remain secured.

A panelized EIFS stucco siding system in a preferred embodiment isdisclosed herein comprising: at least one pre-finished panel assembly,each at least one pre-finished panel assembly including a body having afront-face comprising a pre-finish-surface, a rear-face, and athickness, with an integrated drainage system. The panelized EIFS stuccosiding system comprises a plurality of the at least one pre-finishedpanel assemblies installed in functional and locked (interlocked)combination. The body is defined by the front-face, and the rear-faceseparated by the thickness; the rear-face mounted (fastened viafastening means) adjacent a host-building in-use. The integrateddrainage system comprises an exterior channel; wherein the exteriorchannel is sloped from center to promote drainage and a slight overlapduring installation of an upper-panel over a lower-panel sheds liquidfrom the front-face outwardly. The integrated drainage system furthercomprises a drainage-channel passing around the perimeter of the body(these are interconnected between panels via locking together,snap-fitting or the like). The body is mountable to the host-buildingvia a nail-anchor-strip and at least one fastener; wherein thenail-anchor-strip further functions as a top-panel-support. The body hasat least one tongue and groove profile on a top and bottom of the body.Longitudinal edges and longitudinal edges may be tongue and groove orother suitable recess (female/male coupling means) to connect and lockthe panels in functional combination.

The present invention may further comprise a cross-panel-support withnail-anchor mounted on a right-side of the rear-face of the body;wherein the cross-panel-support is an I-channel and is centered on theright-side of the rear-face of the body, and may further comprise anail-strip; wherein the nail-strip preferably comprisesslotted-apertures to allow for expansion and contraction caused byambient temperatures. The nail-strip comprises perforations to allowflow of liquid (water, condensation, etc.) downwardly.

The drainage-channel mentioned herein is vertically orientedrelationally speaking when the panelized EIFS stucco siding system is inuse; wherein the drainage-channel is vertically oriented preferably ½inch deep with a cross-hatch adjacent the front-face of the body. Otherdimensionings may be used. At least one pre-finished panel assemblycomprises a stucco pre-finish-surface or other such desired finish (e.g.stained concrete or patterned concrete finishes) to provide pleasing andfunctional aesthetics. As such the integrated drainage system isintegrated into each body such that when in combination the panelizedEIFS stucco siding system is interlocked between panels, the panelsbeing installed on the host-building, is protected from damage due toenvironmental elements.

The panelized EIFS stucco siding system may further comprise a set ofinstructions; wherein the panelized EIFS stucco siding system isarranged as a kit for sale to a DIY (do-it-yourself) or commercialinstaller.

A method of use/installation for the panelized EIFS stucco siding systemis also disclosed herein the method comprising the steps of: providingthe panelized EIFS stucco siding system comprising: at least onepre-finished panel assembly, each of the at least one pre-finished panelassembly including, a (substantially 3-D rectangular) body having afront-face comprising a pre-finish-surface, a rear-face, a thickness,and an integrated drainage system; and installing (from left to right) aplurality of the pre-finished panel assemblies in an inter-lockedrelationship to form a cladding; the front-face comprising thepre-finish-surface outwardly facing and the rear-face adjacent anexterior wall of a host-building such that the host-building isprotected from damage due to environmental elements via liquid (rain,condensation, melted snow and ice) being transferred using theintegrated drainage system away from the host-building. The method mayfurther comprise the steps of installing the pre-finished panelassemblies as the panelized EIFS stucco siding system over a buildingwrap, a first-course starter strip perforated for both front and backdrainage, the integrated drainage systems to drain the liquid downwardlyto the ground and installing a cap to finish a top-course; wherein thepanelized EIFS stucco siding system is able to be installed in a rangeof weather conditions. Trim of various profiles may be used as needed.The present invention is mounted via any suitable fastening means.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages,and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is tobe understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achievedin accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus,the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achievesor optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught hereinwithout necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught orsuggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to benovel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in theconcluding portion of the specification. These and other features,aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become betterunderstood with reference to the following drawings and detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specificationillustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, apanelized EIFS stucco siding system, constructed and operative accordingto the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the panelized EIFS stucco siding systemduring an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the panelized EIFS stucco sidingsystem of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a perspective rear view of the panelized EIFS stucco sidingsystem of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the panelized EIFS stucco siding systemof FIG. 1, for vertical installation according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the panelized EIFS stucco siding systemof FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the panelized EIFS stucco sidingsystem of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use/installation forthe panelized EIFS stucco siding system, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter bedescribed in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein likedesignations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate tostatic structures (e.g., buildings) and more particularly to a panelizedEIFS stucco siding system as used to improve the ease of installation ofstucco finish in panel form on construction projects.

Generally, the prefinished stucco panel system can be installed invirtually any weather without extra preparations or additionalconsiderations. When combined with the “SL” trim lock system the presentinvention can be installed by professional or the DYI(do-it-yourselfer). The panelized stucco panels comprise a locking edge.The system installs over building wrap and begins with a starter stripalong the bottom of the wall or area of wall. All trim is installedprior to installing any panels. Working from left to right each courseis started at the left and fitting into the left hand trim (fits undertrim). Once a desired height is reached or the wall is completely clad acap piece is installed to finish the top course.

What the system achieves: a weather tight cladding system that addsbeauty and insulation value to the building envelope; an “all season”solution for stucco in a traditional siding application. The presentsystem can be installed as easily as vinyl siding and in all the sameconditions, i.e. rain and cold do not affect the ability to install thissystem. Residential products may have various panel sizes and geometricdesign possibilities. For commercial jobs the panels may be built tospec in whatever size is required. Residential panels may be re-enforcedwith vinyl (or similar suitable material) “H” beams (or I-channels)installed horizontally through the panel. Commercial panels may bere-enforced with heavier metal or similar “H” beams to compensate forhigher shear strength of winds at height. The system installs liketraditional siding systems right over the building wrap (tar paper orTYVEK™).

The present device features: 1. A tongue and groove interlocking edge;2. An integrated drainage system; 3. Easy installation; 4. Is costeffective; 5. All weather installation; and 6. Manufactured in acontrolled environment. Additional benefits would be 1) A dual drainagesystem; and 2) Integrated support system to prevent the panel(s) frombending/bulging from expansion and contraction (also allows panel tomove horizontally); and 3) Additional anchoring down the right side ofpanel ensuring joints remain secured.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals ofreference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, various views of a panelizedEIFS stucco siding system 100.

FIG. 1 shows a panelized EIFS stucco siding system 100 during an‘in-use’ condition 150, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Here, the panelized EIFS stucco siding system 100 may bebeneficial for use by a user to install pre-finished panels withesthetically-pleasing finishes on buildings. As illustrated, thepanelized EIFS stucco siding system 100 may include at least onepre-finished panel assembly 110, each of at least one pre-finished panelassemblies 110 including a body 120 having a front-face 122 comprising apre-finish-surface 124 (stucco or the like), a rear-face 126, and athickness 128, and an integrated drainage system 130. The panelized EIFSstucco siding system 100 comprises a plurality of the at least onepre-finished panel assembl(ies) 110 installed in functional combinationas shown.

Referring now to the panel assemblies 110; the body 120 is defined bythe front-face 122, the rear-face 126 separated in distance by (andjoined by) the thickness 128; the rear-face 126 mounted adjacent ahost-building in-use (when installed). The integrated drainage system130 is integrated into each body 120 of the pre-finished panel assembly110 such that when in combination the panelized EIFS stucco sidingsystem 100 when installed and locked modularly on the host-building isprotected from damage due to environmental elements such as rain, andthe like.

According to one embodiment, the panelized EIFS stucco siding system 100may be arranged as a kit. In particular, the panelized EIFS stuccosiding system 100 may further include a set of instructions 155. Theinstructions 155 may detail functional relationships in relation to thestructure of the panelized EIFS stucco siding system 100 such that thepanelized EIFS stucco siding system 100 can be installed, used,maintained, un-installed or the like, in a preferred manner.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4 showing various views of the panelized EIFSstucco siding system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

The integrated drainage system 130 of the panelized EIFS stucco sidingsystem 100 comprises an exterior channel 132; wherein the exteriorchannel 132 is sloped from center or beveled as shown. The bevel isshown such that the watershed is provided towards the outer edges of thepanel. An optional top tongue 140 is shown which may be omitted if avertically installed panel is of adequate height for capping (i.e. bothwall and panel are of same height dimension). This feature is optionalfor vertical installations as shown in FIG. 2C and is not needed if bothwall and panel are of the same dimension. The integrated primarydrainage system 130 also preferably further comprises a drainage-channel134 passing around the perimeter of the body 120. The body 120 ismountable to the host-building via a nail-anchor-strip 136 and at leastone (suitable) fastener/fastening means. The nail-anchor-strip 136further functions as a top-panel-support and may be made of anon-conducting material to avoid compromising insulation value. Again,the nail strip 136 may be omitted for vertically installed panels wherethe wall and panel are of the same dimension. Upon reading thisspecification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, designpreference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost,available materials, technological advances, etc., other fastening meansarrangements such as, for example, screws, nails, clips, clasps,adhesive, non-adhesive, etc., may be sufficient.

The body 120 preferably has at least one tongue and groove profile 140which may be found on one or more side edges (top, bottom, right-side,left-side) such that the panels can be interlocked and effectively sealthe host-building from weather. The panelized EIFS stucco siding system100 may further comprise a cross-panel-support 138 with nail-anchormounted on a right-side of the rear-face 126 of the body 120; whereinthe cross-panel-support 138 is centered on the right-side of therear-face 126 of the body 120 or as otherwise required for supportthroughout panel body 120. The panelized EIFS stucco siding system 100,further comprises a nail-strip 144; wherein the nail-strip 144 comprisesslotted-apertures 146 to allow for expansion and contraction due toambient environmental temperatures. In this way the present invention issuitable for installation in a wide range of climates (from extreme hotto extreme cold and in-between). The nail-strip 144 comprisesperforations to allow flow of liquid (such as rain water or melting snowand ice) downwardly into and along cross hatch back panel secondarydrainage 127 as shown in FIG. 2B.

If required by building codes or other applications (e.g. certaincommercial applications), an additional optional waterproof layer 129may be applied to the rear face 126 of each panel 110. The integrity ofthe applied waterproofing is maintained through the use of a waterproofadhesive 133 bonding the panels 110 together to create a waterproofenvelope. The waterproof layer 129 may be applied, but is not limitedto, a spray-on coating or membrane. The addition of the waterproofingthus enables a complete installation with the EIFS stucco siding system100 in applications that require it.

Referring now to the drainage-channel 134 of the integrated drainagesystem 130; the drainage-channel 134 is vertically oriented when thepanelized EIFS stucco siding system 100 is in use (installed as shown inFIG. 1). The drainage-channel 134 is vertically oriented adjacent thefront-face 122 of the body 120. The drainage-channel 134 is interlockedto an adjacent panel's drainage-channel 134 such that the removal ofwater and moisture is uninterrupted from the top of the host-buildingdown to the ground level. At least one pre-finished panel assembly 110comprises a stucco pre-finish-surface 140. The panelized EIFS stuccosiding system 100 may alternately comprise a non-stuccopre-finish-surface such as concrete (other textures are envisioned suchas painted, stone texture, non-stone texture). Certain embodiments maycomprise insulating means.

Referring now to FIG. 5 showing a flow diagram illustrating a method ofuse/installation 500 for the panelized EIFS stucco siding system 100,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, themethod of use/installation 500 may include one or more components orfeatures of the panelized EIFS stucco siding system 100 as describedabove. As illustrated, the method of use/installation 500 may includethe steps of: step one 501, providing the panelized EIFS stucco sidingsystem comprising: at least one pre-finished panel assembly, each the atleast one pre-finished panel assembly including, a (substantially 3-Drectangular) body having a front-face comprising a pre-finish-surface, arear-face, and a thickness, and an integrated drainage system; step two502, installing (from left to right) a plurality of the pre-finishedpanel assemblies in an inter-locked relationship to form a cladding, thefront-face comprising the pre-finish-surface outwardly facing and therear-face adjacent an exterior wall of a host-building such that thehost-building is protected from damage due to environmental elements vialiquid (rain, condensation, melted snow and ice) being transferred usingthe integrated drainage system away from the host-building; step three503, installing the pre-finished panel assemblies as the panelized EIFSstucco siding system over a building wrap, a first-course starter stripperforated for both front and back, the integrated drainage systems todrain the liquid downwardly to ground and step four 504 installing a capto finish a top-course; wherein the panelized EIFS stucco siding systemis able to be installed in a range of weather conditions. All trim ispreferably installed prior to installing any panels.

It should be noted that step 503 is an optional step and may not beimplemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use 500 areillustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 so as to distinguish them fromthe other steps of method of use 500. It should also be noted that thesteps described in the method of use can be carried out in manydifferent orders according to user preference. The use of “step of”should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is notintended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should alsobe noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issuesas design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost,structural requirements, available materials, technological advances,etc., other methods for installation of the panels are taught herein.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary andnumerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readilyenvisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which areintended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention.Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially thescientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure ofthe application.

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. A panelized EIFS stucco siding system comprising: at least one pre-finished panel assembly, each said at least one pre-finished panel assembly including; a body having; a front-face comprising a pre-finish-surface with integrated primary drainage; a rear-face with integrated secondary drainage; and a thickness; and a dual integrated drainage system comprising the primary drainage and secondary drainage; and wherein said panelized EIFS stucco siding system comprises a plurality of said at least one pre-finished panel assembly installed in functional combination without a thermally conducting bridge within each panel and between panels; wherein said body is defined by said front-face, said rear-face separated by said thickness, said rear-face mounted adjacent a host-building in-use; and wherein said integrated drainage system is integrated into each said body such that when in combination said panelized EIFS stucco siding system being installed and locked modularly on said host-building is protected from damage due to environmental elements.
 2. The panelized EIFS stucco siding system of claim 1, wherein said integrated drainage system comprises an exterior channel.
 3. The panelized EIFS stucco siding system of claim 2, wherein the exterior channel is sloped from center towards one or more outer edges of the panel.
 4. The panelized EIFS stucco siding system of claim 1, wherein the body is mountable to said host-building via a nail-anchor-strip and at least one fastener.
 5. The panelized EIFS stucco siding system of claim 4, wherein the nail-anchor-strip further functions as a top-panel-support.
 6. The panelized EIFS stucco siding system of claim 1, wherein the body has at least one tongue and groove profile.
 7. The panelized EIFS stucco siding system of claim 6, further comprising a cross-panel-support with nail-anchor mounted on a right-side of said rear-face of said body.
 8. The panelized EIFS stucco siding system of claim 7, wherein the cross-panel-support with nail-anchor is positioned on said right-side of said rear-face of said body and spaced apart from adjacent panels.
 9. The panelized EIFS stucco siding system of claim 1, further comprising a nail-strip.
 10. The panelized EIFS stucco siding system of claim 10, wherein the nail-strip comprises slotted-apertures to allow for expansion and contraction.
 11. The panelized EIFS stucco siding system of claim 11, wherein the nail-strip comprises perforations to allow flow of liquid downwardly toward the rear of the panel.
 12. The panelized EIFS stucco siding system of claim 4, wherein the drainage-channel is vertically oriented when said panelized EIFS stucco siding system is in use.
 13. The panelized EIFS stucco siding system of claim 1, wherein the drainage-channel is vertically oriented adjacent said front-face of said body.
 14. The panelized EIFS stucco siding system of claim 1, wherein the at least one pre-finished panel assembly comprises one of: a stucco said pre-finish-surface and a non-stucco pre-finish surface.
 15. The panelized EIFS stucco siding system of claim 1, wherein the rear face of the body further comprises a waterproof layer over said integrated secondary drainage and positioned between the body and the host building.
 16. The panelized EIFS stucco siding system of claim 4, wherein the nail-anchor strip and fastener are non-thermally conductive.
 17. A panelized EIFS stucco siding system comprising: at least one pre-finished panel assembly, each said at least one pre-finished panel assembly including; a body having; a front-face comprising a pre-finish-surface; a rear-face; and a thickness; and a dual integrated drainage system, said dual integrated drainage comprising a primary drainage on the front face and a secondary drainage on the rear face; and wherein said panelized EIFS stucco siding system comprises a plurality of said at least one pre-finished panel assembly installed in functional combination; wherein said body is defined by said front-face, said rear-face separated by said thickness, said rear-face mounted adjacent a host-building in-use; wherein said primary drainage comprises an exterior channel adjacent the front face; wherein the exterior top channel is sloped from center to promote drainage to said primary drainage and a slight overlap during install of upper-panel over a lower-panel sheds liquid from said front-face; wherein the body is mountable to said host-building via a nail-anchor-strip and at least one fastener; wherein the nail-anchor-strip further functions as a top-panel-support; wherein the body has at least one tongue and groove profile; further comprising a cross-panel-support with nail-anchor mounted on a right-side of said rear-face of said body; wherein the cross-panel-support is one of an H-channel or an I-channel and is positioned on said right-side of said rear-face of said body; further comprising a nail-strip; wherein the nail-strip comprises slotted-apertures to allow for expansion and contraction; wherein the nail-strip comprises perforations to allow flow of liquid downwardly towards the secondary drainage; wherein the drainage-channel is vertically oriented when said panelized EIFS stucco siding system is in use; wherein the secondary drainage-channel is a cross-hatch adjacent said rear-face of said body; wherein the at least one pre-finished panel assembly comprises a stucco said pre-finish-surface; and wherein said integrated drainage system is integrated into each said body such that when in combination said panelized EIFS stucco siding system is interlocked between panels, said panels being installed on said host-building is protected from damage due to environmental elements.
 18. The panelized EIFS stucco siding system of claim 17, further comprising set of instructions; and wherein the panelized EIFS stucco siding system is arranged as a kit.
 19. A method of use for the panelized EIFS stucco siding system the method comprising the steps of: providing the panelized EIFS stucco siding system comprising: at least one pre-finished panel assembly, each said at least one pre-finished panel assembly including; a body having; a front-face comprising a pre-finish-surface and a primary drainage; a rear-face comprising a secondary drainage; and a thickness; and a dual integrated drainage system comprising the primary and secondary drainage; and installing from left to right a plurality of said pre-finished panel assemblies in an inter-locked relationship to form a cladding, said front-face comprising said pre-finish-surface outwardly facing and said rear-face adjacent an exterior wall of a host-building such that said host-building is protected from damage due to environmental elements via liquid being transferred using said dual integrated drainage system away from said host-building.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of installing said pre-finished panel assemblies as the panelized EIFS stucco siding system over a building wrap a first-course starter strip perforated for both front and back said integrated drainage systems to drain said liquid downwardly to ground and installing a cap to finish a top-course; and wherein said panelized EIFS stucco siding system is able to be installed in a range of weather conditions. 